Meet the New Cold War, Same as the Old Cold War

Taking a break from the macroeconomic implosion of Europe, I'd like to point out this interesting headline pertaining to the about-to-ensue civil war in Syria:

http://www.canada.com/news/China+Russia+slam+West+Syria+sanctions/6214711/story.html

Is seems Russia and China are drawing a hard line of distinction between their position and that of the United States and the European Union, who seem to be in lockstep with each other. This especially matters  given the very fluid situation in the Middle East since the Arab Spring last year.

Not to mention this:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/us-usa-iran-hormuz-idUSTRE81D1PE20120214

A world in which the United States and Europe are battling with Russia and China on issues pertaining to the Middle East will a volatile one. But certainly not an unfamiliar one.